Set when AIDS was the scourge of New York City the film adaptation of Rent follows the lives of eight characters struggling to live their lives in the early 1990s; four of whom are HIV positive or have AIDS. This research utilizes narrative criticism to analyze the characters' stories as they manage the physical and emotional consequences of AIDS. The platonic and romantic relationships among the characters act as the catalysts for personal growth, encouraging the characters to live their lives fully within the context of AIDS. The rock opera unfolds to reveal how Angel, Collins, Mimi, and Roger individually cope with the virus. Evaluation of the characters experience resulted in the creation of the HIV/AIDS Lifestyle Integration Continuum.

Paper presented to the 5th Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Wichita State University, May 1, 2009.Research completed at Elliott School of Communication, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences